Thursday, April 28, 2011

Happy Birthday Harper Lee

While I no longer read favorite books over and over again as I did in my childhood, I have read To Kill a Mockingbird twice in the last two years and found it equally powerful both times. My view of Atticus Finch is perhaps forever overlaid with images of the weary, but still handsome Gregory Peck in the brilliant film version of the story, but I believe the literary Atticus to be among the most admirable and beautifully written characters in American fiction. Jessica Lange reads from what may be one of the most moving moments in To Kill a Mockingbirdhere.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center: "To Kill a Mockingbird consistently ranks near the top of the American Library Association's list of 100 most frequently banned books. Most complaints involve the use of language now considered racially offensive, including the N-word."